Hey everybody,
I'm new to the whole blogging thing, but seeing as everyone wants details on my life as I pick up and move to Senegal, I will be posting some pictures, stories, packing lists, thoughts and requests here over the next couple of years.
Thus far, here's what I've got:
I am going to Senegal as an Agroforestry Extention Agent staging in Washington DC on August 9th, then we are flying out as a group to Dakar, the capitol of Senegal on August 10th. From there, we will take a 2 hour trip to Thies (pronounced "Chess") where we will congregate at the training center and begin PST (pre-service training.) Bear with me on the acronyms. You'll get it all in good time.
As I start to gather my life and enjoy my last 2 weeks in the US, I'll keep you updated on my thoughts and preparations and answer some of the common questions that I get.
Here are answers to some questions I get all the time (FAQ, I suppose?)
What language will you have to speak?
The national language of Senegal is French, and the most common native language is Wolof. I will have to be pretty proficient in French by the end of training, and know at least a greeting in Wolof. My main language training will be in whatever native language I am assigned to, which may or may not be Wolof.
What is your job?
As an agroforestry volunteer, I basically help people plant trees that will help further food security in-country. There is a much longer, clearer explanation put out by the PC Senegal website here: http://www.pcsenegal.org/agfo.html Hopefully that answers some of your questions.
General umbrella questions falling under the category of comfort- running water, electricity, etc.
Electricity? Maybe, depending on to what region I am assigned, but agfo people tend to be more rural, so its unlikely. Speaking of which, I still have to order a trusty Solio. They're pretty cool, google it. Running water? Almost definitely not. Bucket baths all the way! Bring it on.
That's pretty much where I'm at. Stay tuned.
Over and out.
Emily
You are so brave!! Best of luck... I'll miss you!
ReplyDelete-Gayla
Emily, I cannot stop thinking about you and wondering what you are doing. Thank you so much for this blog so that we can share in your adventure. You are made of all the right stuff to be a successful volunteer for the Peace Corps. I was happy to see brimmed hat on the packing list. Best Wishes in "Chess", thanks for the pronunciation. Love you always. Kay
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you in the pictures! The disco building/hut looks like a fun pavilion for getting together. Its funny seeing everyone on their computers relaxing in the shade. The lack of drainage in the streets should make any civil engineer excited about the value of their work. Its all so fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
Love you Dad
Dear Emily, Your blog is great! so glad you are keeping it, it provides us with a view into your new world. Also, thanks for the tip on how to view the pics. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI hope your infection has cleared up now. You most likely have had many adventures since then.
For news on the home front, Sarah moved into her apt at UMass and we did some shopping at
Target and Big Y grocery store-a bit different than downtown Chess I guess. The heat in Florida last week was also oppressive, but we had the ocean (a hot 85 degrees) at the ready to jump into. Your discussion of the hang nail reminds me that it is time for my manicure appt. (ha!) Lots of love to you. Am eagerly awaiting more news. PS - The TV show Globe Trekker featured Senegal last week and showed the reporter riding in the sept plus. Rose